Abstract

The acute phase response (APR) is characterized by proteolysis with decreased body cell mass, hyperglycemia, body water retention and renal dysfunction, which we hypothesised could affect magnesium serum levels. The aim of this study was to compare serum magnesium levels among hospitalized patients with or without APR.

METHOD:

All serum magnesium results (n = 527) corresponding to a six-months period were searched at University Hospital mainframe. Relevant laboratorial and clinical details were also registered. All cases of diabetes mellitus, chronic renal insufficiency, or serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl were excluded. APR was defined by the presence of fever plus severe trauma or infection plus leukopenia or leukocytosis.